Want to learn Spanish fast? Forget textbooks. One Narcos scene — Pablo Escobar’s mother sewing cocaine into jackets while calling him “Pablito, mi amor” — teaches you more real Spanish than most lessons. This week’s BlanBla newsletter breaks down Season 1, Episode 1: the language of family, protection, and very unusual jackets. If you’re learning to speak Spanish and want materials that actually stay in your brain, you’re in the right place.
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The Original Email
This week in the Spanish challenge, we are going to talk about Pablo Escobar’s mother.
Yes. Mother’s Day, but with Narcos.
Inside the class, you will find a short video that I recorded directly from my computer screen.
You can also go to Netflix and watch the episode there.
It is in Season 1, Episode 1 of Narcos.
In the scene, Pablo’s mother is helping with some jackets.
She is sewing and adjusting the jackets.
At first, it looks like a normal family moment: a mother, her son, clothes, compliments.
But the jackets are not normal jackets.
They are used to hide cocaine and send it to the United States.
Madre mía.
The scene is strange, funny and uncomfortable at the same time.
Pablo’s mother speaks to him with love.
She calls him “Pablito” and “my love.”
She wants to protect him. She treats him like he is still a little boy.
This week, we will use this scene to talk about
mothers, family, protection, love, stereotypes and typical mother phrases.
I am sure you will laugh.
And I am also sure it will remind you of your own mother.
In Spain, we say:
“Madre no hay más que una.”
There is only one mother.
Because mothers are unique, aren’t they?
For now, if you want to watch the video and get the worksheet, just reply to this email with:
PABLO
And I will send you the link, rápido y veloz.
Hasta mañana, Monica
Vocabulary from This Story
Pablito — the diminutive of Pablo. In Spanish, adding -ito/-ita to a name makes it affectionate. Your mum calls you “Pablito.” Your boss doesn’t.
Madre mía — literally “my mother,” used as an exclamation. Think: “Oh my God!” or “Bloody hell!” One of the most versatile expressions in Spanish. Useful in approximately 90% of life situations.
Rápido y veloz — fast and quick. Both mean fast. Monica uses both for emphasis. Very Spanish.
Madre no hay más que una — “There is only one mother.” A classic Spanish saying. Often used seriously. Sometimes used ironically.
Why Netflix Spanish Works
The Narcos scene works because the emotion is clear before you understand the words. Watch it with Spanish audio + English subtitles first, then Spanish subtitles, then no subtitles. Three passes, three levels of processing.
Typical Spanish Mother Phrases
• ¿Has comido? — Have you eaten?
• Ponte el abrigo. — Put your coat on.
• Llámame cuando llegues. — Call me when you arrive.
• Estás muy delgado/a. — You’re very thin. (Said even when you’re not.)
• Cuídate mucho. — Take care of yourself.
Ready to practise Spanish through real stories? Join La Tribu — or grab the free Spanish book to start now.
— Monica Bernabe Perez